Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Avon Hart-Johnson

Abstract

Commercialized sex work has been considered a high-risk profession. Understanding the social context and application of services that foster wellbeing for this population is of research concern. There is a risk of ineffective service when programs are designed by providers who are not formerly of the profession and not familiar with the unique needs of this population. The problem is that commercialized sex workers who need but do not seek harm reduction services may experience ill-health and lack of wellbeing. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of 10 commercialized sex workers who pursued or received harm reduction services in Nevada. Empowerment theory was the foundation for this research study. An inductive thematic analysis was used incorporating Colaizzi's 7-step method. The key findings from this study revealed that commercialized sex workers perceived that harm reduction services were uneasy to locate, inadequately designed for the population, and that the act of self-preservation could result in the workers using unhealthy coping strategies. Ultimately, the key phenomenological findings from this study convey that the way in which the sex profession is labeled may govern the level of services and the manner in which these services are provided for this population. The implications for a positive social change include providing a better understanding of the lived experiences of commercialized sex workers in the state of Nevada as it relates to seeking and receiving harm reduction services.

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